I'd like to know why my post regarding a current community issue,((Senior Sales Tax Exemption)) was removed. Will you be removing this post as well?I did not use any names, and did not submit any false information. Therefore, I don't believe that I was in violation of any conditions or terms of use. As a member, I have previously submitted my email address, as a method to be contacted. I did not recieve an email regarding my post or any violation of terms leading to being removed.

As I understand, this part of the Sitka.com forum is for local "Chit-Chat" and where sitkans can talk about anything.

In posting, my expectation was to bring awareness to a proposal that will affect many current and soon to be seniors and their sales tax exemptions. There were many seniors who were not aware of this proposed change, and did not realize how the proposed changes will affect them.

If this passes on December 8,2009 at the Assembly meeting:

* There will be a removal of the current Senior Sales Tax Exemption program.* It will be replaced with a YEARLY rebate, that will not be recieved until (6) months after the qualifying year. (Benefits will no longer be immediate)*There will only be a one month window to apply for the tax rebate, between March 1-31 *The amount will be $467.70. Which will not accurately reflect fluxuations in the market. (Oil, gas, etc.) Nor, will it be realistic to home or auto maintance costs, home heating fuel or gasoline costs, big ticket purchases, prescription medications or medical costs, food and groceries, etc..*Proposed language would exclude spouses and widows or widowers*One of the city finance employees stated they were not even sure the city would make enough to payout the 467.70 to eligible seniors

To target and penalize a group of citizens for the actions of a few is not appropriate. After speaking with a former assembly member and addressing my concerns, questioning the process and asking if a senior had ever been prosecuted, they stated "we would never do that." I think that we need to enforce current penalties and punishments before making a decision to completely abandon the exemption. I have heard other assembly members state witness to this abuse, but have not seen any facts to back and prove those allegations. Now I do believe that there may be some misuse and fraud, but talking about it is not the same as making a formal complaint, and dealing with it on an individual basis.Don't waste time staring at closed doors, rather look around to see what oppourtunities lay ahead. Know that everything happens for a reason, and in time all things will work out as they should.j.ema

Posts: 8Joined: Sun Jun 08, 2008 12:09 pm Private message

Don't waste time staring at closed doors, rather look around to see what oppourtunities lay ahead. Know that everything happens for a reason, and in time all things will work out as they should.